Honor Baseball League’s 50th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2728 BY: Senator JACOBS COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the West Side Boys Baseball League on June 10, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those enduring organizations which faithfully devote their resources and purposeful energies to fostering opportunities and contributing to the quality of life for the youth of the communities they serve; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the West Side Boys Baseball League celebrated at its Annual Opening Day Ceremony on Saturday, June 10,

2017, at LaSalle Park Diamond No. 1 in Buffalo, New York; and WHEREAS, In addition, this auspicious occasion will recognize the 42nd Anniversary of the West Side Ponytail Softball League, and the valuable contributions of long-time sportsman, Tovie Asarese; and WHEREAS, For over five decades, Tovie Asarese has played an important role in Western New York amateur and youth sports; and WHEREAS, In 1970, Tovie Asarese converted an empty lot into a West Side recreation area which included paving, lighting, and 9,500 square feet of fencing, four basketball courts, and a section for toddlers to play; and WHEREAS, Tovie Asarese founded both the West Side Little League Football Club and the West Side Street Hockey Program; in 1953, he reorganized the West Side Boys Baseball League after its founder, Bill Foglia, died in 2009; and WHEREAS, In 1975, Tovie Asarese established and managed the West Side Ponytail Softball League; and WHEREAS, For more than 50 years, Tovie Asarese sponsored and coached the AAABA Royal Printing Club Baseball Team; under his luminous leadership, the 1976 team finished its season with a perfect record, and the 2000 team placed 3rd in the nation; and WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to the youth of West Side, Tovie Asarese was the recipient of numerous awards, was named Man of the Year by many organizations, and was elected to both the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame and Softball Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Tovie Asarese's positive demeanor, selfless commitment, and caring concern have contributed to his enduring success as a coach and mentor, earning him the just respect and admiration of his community, his peers, and the athletes he has so ably coached; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the West Side Boys Baseball League on June 10, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Tovie Asarese, the West Side Boys Baseball League, and the West Side Ponytail Softball League.